Centrifugally operated valve for rotatable receptacles



Oct. 27, 1953 T. R. SMITH 2,655,700

CENTRIFUGALLY OPERATED VALVE FOR ROTATABLE RECEPTACLES Filed Aug. 6, 1949 2 Sheets-Sheet l Bn i Gttornegs Oct. 27, 1953 T. R. SMITH 2,656,700

CENTRIFUGALLY oPERATEuvALvE FOR ROTATABLE RECEPTACLES Filed Aug. e, 1949 2 sheets-sheet 2 PILOT LIGHT FLOAT WITCH WARM HUT TIMER MTOR f/o w Z7 af .170 FILL coNTRoL VALVES DR IVE MOTOR Patented Oct. 27, 1953 CENTRIFUGALLY OPERATED VALVE FOR ROTATABLE RECEPTACLES- Thomas R. Smith, Newton, Iowa, assigner to The Maytag Company, Newton, Iowa, a. corporation of Delaware Application August 6, 1949, Serial No. 108,991

(Cl. (S8-23) 11 Claims.

This invention relates to washing machines, and more particularly to Washing machines having rotatable tubs provided with improved centrifugally operated valve means.

Among the objects of the invention is to provide a washing machine with an improved rotatable tub construction which when rotated at a relatively high speed provides a means for removing heavy particles of dirt and foreign matter therefrom.

In washing machines having rotatable tubs wherein a washing operation and a centrifugally drying operation takes place there are times, when washing some fabrics, that heavy particles of dirt, sand, etc. will settle out of the fabrics being washed. These particles tend to collect in the bottom of the tub during the washing operation and when the tub is rotated to extract the liquid a portion of the heavy dirt or foreign matter may be forced back into some of the fabrics which, of course, causes the same to be spotted or soiled. Even in installations wherein a space or sediment trap is provided for heavy dirt to settle out of contact of the fabrics being washed, the dirt is not always removed therefrom when the tub is rotated and it may accumulate therein until it eventually clogs the sediment trap. This is especially so in installations where the settling space is not readily accessible for manual cleanmg.

Accordingly it is an object of the invention to provide a washing machine having a rotatable tub which is provided with a settling space at the lower portion thereof for heavy particles of dirt and to remove the same from the space centrifugally through a passage at the lower portion of the tub when the tub is rotated.

It is another object of the invention to provide a washing machine having a rotatable tub which is provided with a space at the lower lportion thereof for the accumulation of heavy particles of dirt during the washing operation and centrifugally operated resilient valve means disposed about a circumferential passage in the periphery of the tub capable of preventing leakage when the tub is stationary and which is opened by centrifugal force when the tub is rotated at relatively high speed to permit a direct flushing action of water through the space to remove the particles of dirt therefrom.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a sediment trap in a rotatable tub for a washing machine which is self-cleaning.

Other objects, features, capabilities and advantages are comprehended by the invention as the operating parts of the machine.

2 will later appear and as are inherently possessed thereby.

The present application discloses subject-matter relating to applicants co-pending applications, Serial No. 97,012, led June 3, 1949, now

Patent No. 2,641,918, issued June 16, 1953, and Serial No. 121,974, led October 18, 19429.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a partial vertical sectional view showing a washing machine with a rotatable tub for extracting liquid from the materials being washed and having an improved annular centrifugally operated valve means applied thereto;

Figure 2 is a partial enlarged view showing more in detail the construction of the lower portion of the rotatable tube and the centrifugally operated valve means;

Figure 3 is a partial horizontal cross-sectional view of the rotatable tub taken in the plane represented by the line 3--3 of Figure 2 showing the passage in the lower portion of the tub and the annular centrifugally operated valve means; and,

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic wiring diagram of a control for a washing cycle for an automatic washing machine to which a device of this type would be applicable.

Referring now more in detail to the drawings for one form of a combined washing and drying machine, embodying a centrifugally operated valve mechanism I made in accordance with the present invention, there is shown an outer cabi` mechanism generally referred to as I4 for automatically controlling certain yoperations in the washing cycle.

The cabinet 2 has its main body portion formed with side, front and back panels with a top or cover panel I6 secured thereto to provide a substantially rectangular unitary structure. The top panel I6 is preferably formed with an opening I8 defined by a downwardly and inwardly extending flange 20 to permit access to the inner rotatable tub 8 and is normally closed by a sec- 3 tional lid 22, preferably formed Ahollow to enclose the control mechanism I4, and hinged at 23 to the top panel I6 to pivot about a horizontal axis. In addition, the lid is recessed remote from the hinge 23 to provide a handle or grip 24 which can be readily grasped by the operator to swing the same into and out of its closed position. In this instance, the top panel is further formed with two openings adjacent the front corners thereof, each of which has a control shaft 25 eX- tending upwardly therethrough with a control knob 26 mounted thereon adapted to be grasped by the operator for manipulation. 'One oi the control shafts is adapted to be adjusted for controlling a thermostatically operated mixing valve 21, and the other is adapted to be manipulated by the operator for manually positioning a lplurality of cams 28 normally driven by a timer 'motor 29 through any suitable speed reduction mechanism for automatically controlling the washing cycle, as diagrammatically shown in Figure 4 of the drawings.

The router stationary tube 6 Amay be supported, in 'any suitable manner, vby a plurality of corner posts 36 and is preferably formed circular in horizontal cross-section, with an upper open end 32 disposed adjacent the lower portion of the top panel I6 and a lowerfbottom portion 34 having a drain `opening 36 and an enlarged opening 38 in l a centrally located crowned portion 39 through which vertical co-axialfshaft means extend. The shaft means is in the form of an inner rotatable sha-ft 40 and an outer rotatable tubular shaft 42, for supporting and rotating the inner tub 8 and for actuating the agitator I0.

Disposed within 4and at the upper portion of the outer stationary tub 6 `and secured to the upper end of the outer tubular shaft 42 is the inner rotatable tub -8, also preferably circular in horizontal -cross section and it is formed in two sections to provide an outer tub or receptacle 43 andan inner tub or container 44. rIfhe outer tub or receptacle 43 is substantially cup-shaped in vertical cross-section with its open end facing in the direction of the cover and has an imperiorate cylindrical side wall 45 with a major portion thereof tapering upwardly and outwardly ltoward the open end which terminates to define a top edge 46 adapted to extend above the normal liquid level A desired for washing. The lower portion of the side wall 45 is tapered slightly at 4'1 toward ka generally horizontal bottom wall 48 and is spaced therefrom by means of a plurality of spacing elements n49 disposed between, integir-a1 and outwardly extending angeportions 50 and y5| on the lower portion of the side wall and thel outer periphery of the base 48, respectively, to define an annular circumferential discharge passage 52 therebetween. YThis passage is sealed against liquid flow when the tub 8 is stationary by means of an annular resilient centri'fugally opera-ted toroidal valve or Q ring member 53 disposed about the outer peripheryvoV the base and side wall in a manner to be hereinafter described. fBloW the agitator f the base 48 is crowned to provide a hub 54 through which a vertically disposed oscillatable shaft 55 extends and it -is splined or Iconnected in any suitable manner to the agitator IU for actuating oroscillating the same about a vertical axis to agitate the water andfa'brics Yto be washed therein. Any suitable sealing means maybe utilized between the hub andthe shaft 55 to provide a--iiuid-tight joint.

The innertub 44 Vis in the form of an openehded cylindricalbaskt or container having the Sil 4 lower portion of its side wall 51 and the bottom 58 perforated at 6G and disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation with the side wall 45 and bottom 48 of the imperforate receptacle 43 to provide a relatively narrow space 62 therebe; tween for the circulation of washing liquid during the washing operation and to permit free flow of the washing liquid out of the receptacle and over the top edge 46 when it is rotated. In addition the openings 50 in the bottom 53 of the basket permit heavy particles of dirt and foreign lmatter to ow therethrough and settle in the lower portion of the space 62 during the washing operation. Therefore, the lower portion of the space 62 between the bottom wall 48 oi the receptacle and the bottom 53 of the basket is utilized as a sediment zone or space 63 since it tends to restrict .the recirculation of heavy dirt and foreign particles back into the materials being washed. Also, the inner end 64 of the bottom 58 of the basket terminates under the lower portion of the agitator and is spaced therefrom to define a passage 65 to permit liquid and heavy dirtk to flow therebetween around the end of the basket into the sediment zone 63. This particular construction also places the space 66 under the agitator in direct communication with the sediment zone 63.

The basket may be secured Vin spaced relation to the receptacle 43 to form a unitary structure in any suitable manner, such as, for example, yby screws 61 disposed in recesses 68 provided `'therefor adjacent the upper portion of the receptacle. The upper portion of the basket is .preferably imperforate and extends upwardly and inwardly above the normal liquid level and terminates `to denne an opening 'G9 disposed in alignment with the opening I8 in the cover I6, whereby the operator may have access to `the interior 'of the basket when the lid .'22 Yis opened.

Although forming no part of the present invention, it is to be noted that the upper portion of the basket 44 has mounted thereon a hollow toro'idal balancing member or ring 1G preferably containing a mobile material 1I, of any suitable type, having a relatively high specific gravity, which serves as a balancing means for tending to maintain the rotatable tub y8 in its vertical position when itis rotated at relatively high speed, above its critical speed, under unbalanced conditions.

Means for oscillating the agitator l0 r-are provided by suitable oscillating mechanism generally indicated at 12 which, in this construction, is carried in a .gear housing 1-3 disposed at the bottom of and bolted to the `rotatable tub 8 to increase the mass thereof. This oscillating mechanismYis-preferably directly operated by the inner vertical `rotatable vshaft 45 which .has a drive .pulley 14 .secu-red thereto at its lowerend, the same being continuously rotated in one directionby a motor 16 when energ-izedby means of a bel-t 18, The gear housing 13 is furth'er'provided with Ya downwardly projecting hub portion concentric with the shaft means and rigidly secured to the upper end of .the ltubularsh'aft#42 by means of pins 8l, '-while vthe Ylower end vof the shafts y4t! and 42 are mounted in acombination radial and thrust bearing 82 adjacent `thelowermost portion of the base 4. Leakage between the outer tubular shaft'42 and the stationary tub ;6`is prevented, where the shaft means traverses the tub at the crowned opening :38, by lmeans offa resilient spring Ybiased seal or boot vv84 having upper .and Alower sealing surfaces adapted to engage the lower `portion of the hub 80 and an upstanding por-tion on the stationary tub about the opening 38, respectively.

The combined radial and thrust bearing 82 provides the sole support for the rotatable tub 3 which is free to tilt thereabout at which time the upper portion of the tub will move laterally with respect to the opening |8 in the top panel I6. Accordingly means are provided to maintain the tub in a substantially vertical position during the washing operation and, although it is not absolutely necessary, it is desirable to have the means act to aid in centering the samewhen the tub is rotated. In this instance, a plurality of oppositely disposed, preferably four, centering springs 86 disposed at an angle to produce a component of force axially of the shaft means, in addition to the centering action, are connected at one of their ends to the bottom 34 of the stationary tub and the opposite ends are connected to a damper housing 88 disposed adjacent to and beneath the bottom 34 of the stationary tub 6. This damper housing is also disposed eccentric with and journailed on the outer shaft 42 and moves laterally therewith.

The agitator I0, disposed within the rotatable tub 8, is formed with a flaring base or body portion 90 extending downwardly and outwardly about the hub 49 to underlie the clothes and to overlap the inner edge 64 on the basket 58, and has one or more blades 92 extending radially up- Wardly and outwardly from the upper portion of the base 90 adapted to agitate the liquid within the tub upon oscillation of the agitator for ehesting the washing operation. The agitator is further provided with a hollow center post or pedestal 94 disposed on the vertical axis of the tub which extends upwardly from the lower portion of the tub above the normal liquid level. therein. This centerpost is formed with an inner compartment or iioat chamber 96 having an upper open end facing in the direction of the lid an-d communicating with the interior of the tub 8 through one or more openings 98 extending radially through the wall of the center post adjacent the bottom of the chamber, A float |00 is loosely carried in this float chamber to permit longitudinal sliding movement therein 1n accordance with the liquid level within the tub and chamber 96 for operating the control mechanism |4 with a minimum of friction.

As previously mentioned, the material introduced into the receptacle is subjected to a washing action through the oscillating actionof the agitator and is also subjected to centrifuging action whereby the same is spin-dried upon the rotation of the tub. In order to rapidly rotate the tub 8, suitable clutch mechanism |02 may be provided for effecting a driving relation between the inner shaft and the outer tubular shaft 42.

Means are provided in the form of a brake mechanism |04 secured in part to the stationary tub 6 and to the outer shaft 42 for holding'the tub 8 stationary during the washing operation and for permitting the rotation of the tub dur; ing the spinning operation. The operation ol both the brake |04 and clutch |02 is under com trol of a solenoid |06 (Figure 4) which when dee energized applies the brake and renders the clutch inactive and when energized releases the brake and engages the clutch to connect the inner and outer shafts together to drive the same in unison.

The damper housing 8B which provides a support at least in part for the clutch and brake mechanisms and has the centering springs cori-4 nected thereto, is also provided at its uppermost end with a spherical surface till having dampening material |08 attached thereto which is positioned to engage the crowned portion 39 of the stationary tub E. This dampener is provided to reduce the amplitude of lateral movement of the receptacle 8 yduring the spinning operation.

A clutch, centering means, brake and damper mechanisms suitable for effecting the above 0peratons is described and claimed in my co-pending application Serial No. 66,230, filed December 20, 1948, now Patent No. 2,645,108, issued July 14, 1953, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. It is to be understood, however, that said application discloses but one form of such mechanisms suitable for operating the washing machine as herein disclosed and that other suitable types may be utilized.

Hot and cold washing liquid or water are supplied from conduits |09 and Il@ (Figure 4) to lthe thermostatically controlled mixing vali/e121 which discharges the water at the proper temperature into a conduit extending upwardly between the cabinetand the outer tub S, the saine being connected at its upper end (not shown) to an inlet spout or nozzle H2 extending laterally through an opening in the upper part of the tub 6 to discharge the washing water into the rotatable tub 8. i

The hollow lid 22 housing the control mechanism lli has its lower wall section ||4 formed with an aperture or opening i l disposed directly above the upper open end of the centen-post 94 and through which a control button H8 on the control mechanism I4 loosely projects. This control button is preferably secured adjacent one end of a lever |20 which is pivoted at its opposite end |22 to a pin carried by the lower wall section. A bracket |24 is pivotally mounted `above the lever E25 on a pivot |26 and provides a support for a pair of control switches |26 and |30 of the mercury type whose longitudinal axes are displaced with respect to each other and whose contacts |32 and |34 are oppositely disposed. This bracket is movable about its pivot point |26 by the lever |25 when the same is moved by the iioat |00.

The details of construction of the entire switch assembly 4 including an unbalance safety switch and the operation therefor in an apparatus of the type herein disclosed, is more fully described in the co-pending application of Thomas R. Smith and Dudley P. Combs, Serial No. 64,792, led December 11, 1948, now Patent No. 2,612,766, issued October 7, 1952, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

Referring now more particularly to Figures 1,

2 and 3 for a more complete disclosure of the details of construction of one form of a centrifugally operated valve mechanism mounted in the rotatable tub 8 which is actuated when the tub is rotated to permit self-cleaning or flushing of heavy particles of dirt which have collected in the sediment space or zone 63 between the bottom of the basket 58 and bottom 48 of the receptacle, there is shown the substantially irnperforate receptacle 43 which includes the horizontal bottom wall 48 and slightly upwardly and outwardly flaring cylindrical side wall 45, with the inner periphery of the lower portion of the side wall 45 tapered slightly at 41 toward the bottom wall 48. This slight downward taper directs a portion of the liquid entering the an nular space G2 between the side walls of the reacta-voo ceptacle and basket toward the passage 52 'when the valve is open, The integral outwardly projecting lugs 50 disposed about the lower portion of the side wall 45 extend radially outwardly beyond the periphery of the side wall in parallel spaced relation with respect .to the similarly located lugs on the bottom wall and they are placed in alignment with respect to each other. Disposed between the lugs 50 and 5| `are the spacing elements 4B which act as means for holding the bottom of the side wall and the bottom wall48 in spaced relation to define the annular opening or circumferential discharge passage 52. It can be seen from the drawings that this passage is unobstructed and in direct communication with the sediment zone 53 and annular space 62. In order to secure the side wall 45 and the bottom 48 of the receptacle 43 together to provide a single unitary structure the spacing elements 49 have their ends |36 reduced in diameter and threaded so that they project through mating openings |38 in the lugs 50 and 5| on which nuts |46 .are threaded. The shoulders |42 Von the spacing elements 49 insure the proper thickness of the circumferential discharge passage 52' and locate the sealing edge |44y on the side wall 45 and the sealing edge |46 on the outer periphery of the bottom wall 48 in proper alignment. It is to be understood, however, that other spacing and bolting means may be employed to obtain the same results.

With a construction of this type the combined spacing elements 49 and bolts are disposed beyond the outer periphery of the centrifugally operated resilient valve or 0 ring sealing means 53, thus permitting the liquid pressure to act uniformly on the entire sealing ring when the tub is rotated and at the same time presents a uniform seating surface for the sealing ring when the tub is stationary. In addition, the spacing elements provide a means for limiting the radially outward movement of the resilient O ring when it is moved outwardly by centrifugal force and the parallel spaced lugs act as guides for the spacing ring to maintain it opposite the discharge passage, should it tend to move vertically out of position, and to direct it back to cover the same when the speed of rotation of the tub drops below a predetermined value. The diameter and thickness of the sealing ring and its modulus of elasticity is so selected as to insure seating and sealing at the edges |44 and |46 on the outer periphery of the tub when the tub is stationary or rotating at relatively low speeds, and that it will stretch or yield when rotated above a predetermined speed away from the sealing edges |44 and |46 to open the discharge passage. In addition, in actual operation the resilient ring being unsupported between the spacing elements tends to bow outward as shown in dot and dash lines in Figure 3. This, however, merely opens the passage further and does not affect the effectiveness of its operation.

When the tub 8 is stationary during the washing operation the liquid within the basket 44 is agitated rather violently by the agitator lil and due to this action a portion "of the liquid is circulated through the space 62 between the basket and receptacle 43 through the openings 66 in the basket 44. The water entering the space carries with it heavy dirt and other foreign particles which tend to collect or settle on the top surface of the base member in the sediment zone 63 because the liquid in this space has a tendency to be relatively quiet. Thus, the foreign particles 8 are restricted or retarded therein while the 'liquid flows back into the 'interior of the basket through the openings 60 in the side wall and these particles of heavy dirt for the most part will remain in this space.

After the washing operation the tub is rotated to centrifugally extract the liquid therefrom. Centrifugal force will cause some of the water to iiow up the annular space .62 out of contact with the fabrics being washed and over the top edge 46 of the tub. As the speed of rotation lofthe tub reaches a sufficiently high value, centrifugal force acting on the resilient ring or valve 153 plus the increased hydrostatic head of water acting .on the exposed area of the valve causes the same 5to move radially outwardly to its open position against the spacing elements 49 as indicated by the dot and dash lines. When this valve opening occurs it will be rather rapid and due to the relatively high speed of rotation of the tub a. relatively large quantity of water will be expelled centrifugally through the circumferential discharge passage around the resilient sealing ring into the stationary tub 6. Simultaneous with this, a portion of the liquid is rapidly drawn through the openings 60 in the bottom of the basket and through the space 65 at the bottom of the agitator and around the inner edge 64 into the sediment zone 63, which acts to flush -or clean the top surface of the bottom wall 48. This water action tends to pick up or move the major portion of the foreign particles settled thereon and discharges the same through the passage 52 into the stationary tub 6 wherein it is directed to the drain outlet 36. When the extraction operation is terminated and the speed of rotation of the tub decreases below a given value the natural resiliency in the toroidal sealing ring or valve 53 causes the same to move inward to its original position to seal the circumferential opening 52 to prevent Water from flowing therethrough. Should the sealing ring have any tendency to shift, for any reason, the parallel sides of the lugs 50 and 5| will direct it to its proper position.

With a construction of this type it can be seen that the sediment Zone 63 provided in the bottom of the tub is in effect self-cleaning whenever the. tub is rotated. Also, the perforate basket retains the clothes and the liquid entering the space 62 through the openings 60 in the basket is rapidly discharged without contacting the fabrics being washed.

' The operation of the automatic washing machine of the type hereinabove described and incorporating a centrifugally operated valve mechanism in the lower portion of the rotatable tub 8 made in accordance with the invention is as follows:

The operator opens the lid 22 and then places the clothes and fabrics to be washed through the opening |13 into the interior of the basket 44 including with it the proper quantity of detergent, and the lid is closed. Thereupon the operator decides whether to use hot or warm water for the washing operation and adjusts the temperature control knob to position a movable contact |48 in an electrical circuit |59 to either engage a warm water contact |52 in a circuit |54 to energize the warm water valve |56, or to engage a hot water contact |58 to energize the hot water valve |65 through a parallel circuit |62, when the appropriate cam |64 on the timer is advanced to complete the circuit |56 from L1 to L2. For

example, if the operator desires hot water, the` contact |48 is placed in engagement with the hot water contact |58 and the circuit |62 is conditioned for operation.

Next the operator grasps the timer control lknob 2S and turns the same to the desired washing period and closes the main line switch |66 which conditions the timer motor 23 for opera tion and lights the pilot light i to indicate that the washing machine circuit is energized. Upon turning of the timer control knob the hot Water side of the thermostatically controlled valve 2l is actuated and conducts water at the proper temperature to the rotatable tub 3 through the inlet nozzle ||2. .AS the water level in the tub rises above the opening Se in the centerpost @il the water flows therethrough into the float chamber 96 to raise the float |33 from its inactive position. After the oat is moved vertically a suiiicient distance the top of the float contacts the button lili on the lever |29v and raises the same about its pivot point |22 which in turn tilts the bracket |24 about its pivot |25 to tilt the mercury switches |25 and |33. When the liquid in the tub reaches a predetermined level the mercury switch |35 is actuated so that the mercury bridges the contacts |34 therein to energize the timer motor 29 and main drive moe tor T6 through circuit and the appropriate cams to start the washing operation by oscillating the agitator IB through the oscillating mechanisrn 'i2 and to advance the cams 28 intermittently on the timeri Shortly thereafter the switches are tiltedstill further by an increase in the water level and the mercuryin the switch |28 moves away from the contacts |32 to deenergize the water supply circuit ld and the flow of water to the receptacle through the valve 2? is interrupted, at which time the proper quantity of water for the washing operation has been introduced into the tub 8.

During the washing operation heavy particles of foreignmatter and dirt are carried by the washing liquid through the openings S in the bottom of the basket 44 wherein the major portion tends to settle in the sediment collecting zone 53 due to the less Violent circulation of the liquid, After a predetermined period` of agita tion, the timer, advancing the cams 28 completes the circuit ||2 which energizes the brake solenoid Ii to release the brake |04 holding the tub l S from rotary movement and at the same time causes the clutch m2 to be engaged to directly connect the continuously rotated drive shaft 43 to the hollow rotatable shaft 42 carrying the receptacle to rotate the same, `at which time no relative movement takes place between the agitator and tub. Also, the two mercury switches |28 and. are cut out of the control circuit by means of the cams 23 on the timer which controlsthe same. l

M As the tub is accelerated by the drive motor l, a portion of the washing liquid is centrifugally discharged `from the same through the annular space between `the imperforate `side wall :Stof the outer receptacle 43 and over its top edge 43 into the stationary tub 6. Prior to attaining `full speed of rotation the centrifugally operate-:l resilient annular sealing ring 53 in the lower portion of the tub 8 is moved radially outwardly away from the circumferential discharge passage@ against the spacing elements Aflby means of centrifugal force and the `increased hydrostatic pressure of the liquid acts thereon to permit a relatively largequantity of Water at relatively high velocity to now through the openings B0 in the bottom wall 58 of the basket and around the inner edge 64 into the sediment space 63 and out of the circumferential passage 52 into the stationary tub 6 to thereby remove the foreign particles therefrom.

At full speed of rotation the sealing ring is held open against the spacers 49 and a major portion of the washing liquid is removed from the fabrics in the basket. During this time a flush rinse of clear, warm water is admitted to the tub through the inlet nozzle I I2 by actuation of the cam controlling the warm water to complete the circuit |54 through the warm water control valve 2 to remove a portion of the remaining soapy water in the fabrics.

As the timer motor reaches the end of the spin period the cam for energizing it is moved to deenergize the timer motor 2S and the drive motor i5 and deenergize the brake solenoid |936 so that it is actuated to apply the brake |04 and release the clutch |02 to stop and hold the tub 8 stationary. At the same time the natural resiliency of the centrifugally operated valve 53 causes it to move back to cover and seal the circumferential passage 52 against leakage. Simultaneously with this action the Warm water valve is `energized again by its cam through its circuit l the agitating rinse period is identical to the operation thereof during the washing period eX- cept it is of shorter duration, after which the cams 28 are advanced to interrupt the agitating rinse period and the tub is again rotated as above described to remove the rinse wate from the fabrics being washed and to discharge the same through the drain opening 3,6. Also, at the same time a portion of the rinse water is centrifugally forced through the openings 6d in the bottom of the basket, the sediment space 63 and the circumferential discharge passage 52 to clean or remove any remaining foreign particles in the space in an identical manner as previously de-` scribed.

At the end of the final spin period, as determined by the location of the cams on the timer, the timer motor is deenergized simultaneously with the drive motor and the brake solenoid is deenergized to reapply the brake to the receptacle to stop the same. During this washing cycle the fabrics have been` washed with detergent, rinsed in clear water and have hada large portion of the water removed therefrom. The washing operation is now completed, and the operator need only raise the lid and remove the fabrics: from the tub. l A

From the foregoing, it can be seen that a centrifugally operated valve has been provided for a sediment trap or zone formed adjacent the lower portion of Va rotatable tub of a washing machine which isoperable when the tub is rotated at relatively high speeds to uncover a circumferential passage in communication with the sediment trap to thereby permit a relatively large quantity of water to flow therethroughto remove heavy dirt l and foreign particles from the trap and` that this operation provides in effect a` self-cleaning sediment trap. i

` While I `have herein described andupon the drawings shown an illustrative embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood' that the invention is not limited thereto but may" comprehend other constructions, arrangements of parts', details and features v'vithout departing from the spirit of the invention.

It is claimed:

l`. An rotatable tub for a washing! machine adapted to receive liquid and materials to be washed, comprising a bottom wall, a side w'a'll having an edge spaced from said bottom wall to denne an unobstructed circumferential discharge passage, spacing means disposed eX'teriorly of said sidewall for rigidly holding the' edge of said side wall and said bottom wall in spaced relation, and an annular resilient sealing ring disposed between the outer periphery of said tub and said spacing means to sealsaid passage when said tub is r`o`tate'd below a predetermined speed, and the entire ring being movable by centrifugal force to uncover the passage when" said tub is rotated above a predetermined speed, said spacing means acting to stop the outward movement of said ring.

2L A rotatable tub for a washing" machine adapted to receive liquid and materials to be washed, comprising a bottom wall, a side wall having a lower edge spaced from said bottom w-all and an upper open end defining a top edge over which liquid is discharged when said tub is rotated, spacing means disposed exteriorly of said side wall and' in contact with said bottom wall to rigidly hold theY lower edge or said side wall in spaced relation' to said bottom wall t0 denne an unobstructed circumferential discharge passage therebetween, and an annular resilient sealing r'ing having a portion normally sealing said passage when said tub is stationary disposed between the outer periphery of said tub andv said spacing meansan'd the entire'ring being movable by' centrifugal force to uncover the passage when said tub is rotated above a predetermined speed, said spacing means acting to stop the outward movement of said ring.

3. A rotatable tub for a washing machine adapted toV receive liquid and materials to be washed, comprising a generally flat wall, a generally cylindrical wallr having one edge spaced from said nat wall to denne' an unobstructed circumferential discharge passage, spacing means secured to said flat wall and said cylindrical wall exteriorly thereof for rigidly holding the walls in spaced relation, and an annular resilient sealing element disposed between the outer periphery of said cylindrical wall and said spacing means to' seal said passage when said tub is rotating below a predetermined Vspeed land operable by centrifu-v gal force to uncover said passage when rotated above said speed, said spacing means being so disposed as to limit the outward movement of said sealing element. V

am a washing machine', the combinationv of' a rotatable tub for receiving liquid and materials to be washed, said tub having a bottom wall and a side wall with a lower edge and' an upper open end defining a top edge over which liquid is discharged when said tub is rotated, spacing means exteriorly of said tub for rigidly holding the lower edge of said side wall in spaced relation to said bottom wall to denne an unobstructed circumferential liquid discharge passage therebetween, ran

5. In a washing machine, the combination of a i Vannular resilient sealing ring having a portion Y rotatable tub for receiving liquid. and materials to be washed, said tub having abottom wall and a side wall, spacing means disposed exteriorly of said. tub for rigidly holding the bottom edge of said side wall and said bottom Wallin spacedrela.- tion to denne an unobstructed circumferential liquid discharge passage therebetween, drive means for rotating said tub, and anannular resilient sealing ring having a portion normally sealing said passage disposed betweenA the outer periphery of said tub and said spacing means.

6. In a washing machine, the combination of a. rotatable tub for receiving liquid and materials to be Washed, said tub including aside wall and a bottom wall, spacing means disposed about the outer periphery of said tub for rigidly holding said side wallA and bottom wall in spaced relation to denne an unobstructed circumferential discharge passage therebetween, drive means for rotating Y said tub, and an annular resilient sealing element disposed between the outer periphery of said tub and said spacing means to seal said passage when saidl tub is stationary and movable by centrifugal force to uncover said passage whenl said tub is rotated.

7. A washing machine for receiving liquid and fabrics to be washed', comprising a tub mounted for rotation about a vertical axis, drive means for rotating said tub about its vertical axis, said tub including' an imperforate side Wall having a lower edge and an imperforate bottom Wall, spacing means disposed about the outer' periphery of said sidewall for rigidly holding the lower edge' of said side Wall and bottom wall in spaced relation to denne an unobstructed circumferential discharge passage, means for securing said side wall and bottom wall to form a unitary structure, and an annular resilient sealing element disposed about the outer periphery of said tub to cover said passage when said Vtub is rotated below a predetermined speed and to uncover said passage when said tub' is rotated above said speed, said sealing element being positioned between said passage and said spacing means. Y

8. A rotatablev tub for a washing machine adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed, comprising a receptacle having a substantially cylindrical side wall with a lower edge and a generally horizontal bottom wall, spacing elements disposed about the outer periphery of said receptacle forsrigidly holding the lower edge of saidside wall and bottom wall in spaced relation to define an unobstructed circumferential Y discharge passage, means including the spacing means for securing said side and bottom walls together to provide a unitary structure, a container secured to said receptacle and havingits bottom wall spaced from the bottom wall of said receptaclfe to denne a sediment zone indirect communication with said passage, and an annular resilient sealing ring disposed between said spacing elements and the outer periphery of said receptacle and freely mounted with respect to said receptacle to seal the passage when said tub is rotating at relatively low speeds and to uncover said passage when said tub is rotated at relatively high speeds, said spacing elements being positioned to limit the outward movement of the sealing element when said tub is rotated.

9. Ina washing machine, the combination of a rotatable tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed, said tub includinga side wall with alower endand a bottom wall, radially outwardly extending integral lugs disposed adjacent the lower end of said side wall and the outer periphery of said bottom wall, spacing elements disposed between said lugs for rigidly holding the lower end of said side wall and bottom wall in spaced relation to denne an unobstructed circumferential discharge passage, means for securing said lugs and spacing elements together to provide a unitary structure, a container disposed within and secured to said tub and having its bottom wall spaced from the bottom wall of said tub to define a sediment zone in direct communication with said passage, means for rotating said tub, and an annular resilient sealing ring disposed between said spacing elernents and freely mounted with respect to said tub, radial lugs and the outer periphery of said tub to seal said passage when said tub is rotated below a predetermined speed and to uncover said passage when said tub is rotated above said speed, said spacing elements and lugs acting to limit and direct the movement of said sealing element when said tub is rotated.

10. In a washing machine, the combination of a rotatable tub for receiving washing liquid and materials to be washed, said tub including an imperforate base member and a side wall having its upper edge extending above the normal liquid level therein and over which liquid is discharged when said tub is rotated, sa-id side wall having its major portion daring upwardly toward said upper edge and a minor portion flaring downwardly toward said base, parallel spaced lugs disposed radially outwardly about the lower portion of said side wall and base, spacing elements disposed between said lugs exteriorly of said side wall, means for rigidly securing said side wall to said base in spaced relation through said spacing elements to provide a unitary structure and to define an unobstructed circumferential discharge passage therebetween, a perforate basket for receiving materials to be washed secured in said tub and arranged with respect thereto to denne an unobstructed liquid conducting space therebetween in communication with said circumferential passage, the lower portion of said space providing a sediment zone for heavy particles of foreign matter, and an annular resilient sealing ring disposed between said spacing elements and the outer periphery of said tub and freely mounted with respect to said tub for sealing said passage during the washing operation and operable under centrifugal force to open the same to permit a portion of the liquid in said tub to flow through the lower portion of said space to flush the heavy particles of foreign matter therefrom through said passage, saidspacing elements dening a stop to limit the outward movement oi said sealing ring when said tub is rotated.

11. A rotatable tub for a washing machine adapted to receive liquid and materials to be washed and wherein a washing operation and a drying operation i5 performed, comprising an outer tub having a bottom wall and an upwardly aring side wall with its lower edge spaced from said bottom wall to dene an unobstructed circumferential discharge passage thereabout and being imperforate elsewhere, means for securing said side wall to said bottom wall exteriorly thereof to provide a unitary structure, an inner tub secured in said outer tub in spaced relation thereto to provide a liquid conducting space therebetween and a sediment zone in the lower portion thereof in direct communication with said circumferential discharge passage, and an annular resilient sealing ring disposed between said securing means and the outer periphery of said outer tub to seal said circumferential passage during the washing operation and movable outwardly by centrifugal force when the tub exceeds a predetermined speed to uncover said passage to permit liquid to ow therethrough from the sediment zone to Hush the same, said securing means being disposed to limit the outward movement of said sealing element.

THOMAS R. SMITH.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 

